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Lesson 4 - Bowling Techniques Overview

Technical Mastery & Analysis

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Year 8

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Cricket

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Big Question

How can mastering bowling technique and forward drive transform your cricket performance?

Learning Objectives

Describe and demonstrate the coiled bowling technique with accuracy and control
Perform and evaluate the forward drive with proper body positioning and timing
Evaluate a partner's technique and provide constructive feedback to improve performance

Key Outcomes

Students will bowl with improved line and length using coiled technique
Students will execute forward drive shots with confidence and technique
Students will analyse performance and coach others effectively

Equipment & Resources Required

Cricket Equipment

15 (1 per 2 students)

Check bat sizes appropriate for Year 8 students

Alternative: Tennis rackets for modified activities

Tennis Balls

Softer balls for safety, harder balls for advanced students

Alternative: Wind balls or kwik cricket balls for different skill levels

Stump Sets

6 sets (metal, wood, or plastic)

Set at regulation height, ensure stable on surface

Alternative: Cones with markers if stumps unavailable

iPads

6 (1 per group)

Charged devices with slow-motion video capability

Alternative: Mobile phones for video analysis

Cones

Bright colours for clear target areas

Alternative: Markers or chalk lines

Hoops

Various sizes for different target challenges

Alternative: Drawn circles or rope circles

Key Vocabulary

Coiled bowling technique

A bowling action where the bowler's body coils during the approach, creating torque and power for delivery

Line and length

The direction (line) and distance (length) the ball travels to challenge the batsman effectively

Off side

The side of the cricket field to the right of a right-handed batsman when facing the bowler

Forward drive

A batting shot played with a forward step and straight bat to drive the ball along the ground

Legal delivery

A bowl that complies with cricket laws - behind the crease, correct action, within the width markers

Follow through

The continuation of bowling action after ball release, maintaining balance and direction

Skill Progression Pathway

Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going

Prior Learning

Basic throwing and catching skills
Understanding of cricket field positions
Basic batting grip and stance

Current Skills

Coiled bowling technique development
Forward drive execution and timing
Technical analysis and peer coaching

Next Steps

Advanced bowling variations (slower balls, yorkers)
Range of batting shots (pull, cut, sweep)
Match tactics and field placement

Milestone Indicators

Consistent bowling line and length

Forward drive connects cleanly 7/10 attempts

Can identify and correct common technical errors

Key Teaching Points

Coiled bowling technique requires sideways approach and body rotation for power and accuracy
Line and length consistency is more important than bowling speed for creating pressure
Forward drive timing depends on front foot movement coordinated with ball flight
Video analysis provides powerful feedback for technique refinement and peer coaching
Game application allows skills to be tested under pressure while maintaining technique focus
Peer coaching develops communication skills and deepens understanding of technical points
Safety in cricket comes from controlled technique and clear communication protocols

Common Misconceptions

Bowling faster is always better - emphasise accuracy and consistency over pace
Cricket is only about individual skills - highlight team tactics and cooperation
Forward drive is just hitting hard - focus on timing, placement and technique
Getting out means failure - frame as learning opportunity and part of cricket
Only naturally athletic students can succeed - show how technique beats raw ability

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Short activity bursts with regular changes, clear boundaries and expectations, positive reinforcement system

dyspraxia

Larger equipment for easier handling, extra practice time, simplified skill progressions, peer support

autism spectrum

Clear routine structure, visual schedule of lesson sections, quiet zones available for breaks

visual impairment

Use bright coloured balls, verbal cues for all demonstrations, buddy system for guidance, audio signals for boundaries

hearing impairment

Visual demonstrations with clear hand signals, written instruction cards, ensure face-to-face communication

physical disability

Seated bowling and batting adaptations, modified equipment sizes, adapted distances and rules

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Technical vocabulary development, communication skills for coaching, reading and analysing performance

Maths

Calculating scores and statistics, measuring distances for boundaries, angles of bowling and batting

Science

Physics of ball flight and bounce, forces in batting and bowling actions, biomechanics of movement

Geography

Understanding weather effects on cricket, pitch conditions, compass directions for field placement

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, dealing with success and failure, leadership and responsibility

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Central location with clear sightlines to all practice areas, move between groups to provide individual feedback

Observation Focus

Watch for correct coiled bowling technique, forward drive timing, and safe spacing during activities

Intervention Points

Step in if bowling becomes dangerous, technique deteriorates significantly, or students show signs of frustration

Demonstration Notes

Use exaggerated movements for visibility, break down complex skills into components, use slow motion for clarity

Verbal Cues

•'Coil and spring!'
•'Front foot to the ball!'
•'Watch it all the way!'
•'Soft hands for catching!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 30m x 40m outdoor area or large sports hall with high ceiling for bowling practice

Surface Check

Even surface free from holes, wet patches, or debris that could cause slips

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check cricket bats for cracks or splinters before use
•Ensure stumps are stable and won't cause injury if hit
•Tennis balls in good condition without splits or damage

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Ball strikes to head or body
•Collisions between students during catching activities
•Slips and falls during dynamic movements
•Bat injuries during batting practice

Risk Mitigation

•All batting in same direction to prevent ball conflicts
•Adequate spacing maintained between practice areas
•Soft tennis balls used instead of hard cricket balls
•Clear communication protocols for all activities
•Progressive skill building from basic to advanced

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of all practice areas
•Monitor bowling speeds and accuracy closely
•Ensure proper technique before increasing intensity
•Watch for fatigue affecting safety

Emergency Procedures

Stop, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid, contact emergency services if required